978: Power Talk Friday: LoriAnn Kuntz: How to Love (and Understand) Your Interior Design Business Numbers
977: Katie Ryan Pluer: Strategies for Taking on a Business Partner
Today With Katie Ryan Pluer
Today with Katie Ryan Pluer we are discussing what it takes to build a successful business partnership in the interior design industry. Katie brings a wealth of experience in business development, marketing, and advertising — along with a successful track record of buying and selling businesses. She has a keen understanding of what it takes to create a profitable business, and has spent the past few years getting settled in the interior design industry as Vice President of Natasa Jones Interiors in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
If you have a partner or are considering one, or if you are looking to scale your interior design business anytime soon, Katie is here to share valuable insights. We are getting into the nitty gritty of partnership — from evaluating the business and legalities to personalities, percentages, and profitability.
Pick It Apart:
[1:11] Katie shares how she and Natasa met while working together more than a decade ago, how they realized they were a good fit for partnership, and how they began working together again in their current roles.
[5:52] Katie discusses how she officially approached Natasha about becoming partners and the process of having the business evaluated and buying in.
[14:40] LuAnn asks Katie what business owners need to think about before they get their business evaluated for sale or partnership.
[29:03] Katie outlines how she and Natasha negotiated the terms of their partnership, including ownership percentages, legalities, and the importance of open and honest conversation.
[41:46] Katie emphasizes the value of tracking both revenue streams and profit margins.
LuAnn Nigara and Katie Ryan Pluer’s Ah-Ha Moments
“We’re kind of like a Venn diagram. Like, I have my little part, she has a little part. And then we intersect. And the stuff that we intersect—we’re just like on the same page. But we’re also not afraid to challenge each other.” – Katie Ryan Pluer “If you’re running your business, you should pay yourself.” – Katie Ryan Pluer “If you are considering a potential partnership with someone, and before you make the purchase, and the final deal, if you can’t have open and honest conversation, then…how the heck do you think you’re going to have it when you both have skin in the game?” – LuAnn Nigara “Sometimes there’s some ego in ownership and creating your own business. And if you’re willing to put that ego aside and bring someone in that can help grow your business—grow it together—it’s really worth it…If you find the right person that understands and has as much love for it as you do, I think it’ll be a good fit. – Katie Ryan Pluer
More About Katie Ryan Pluer
Katie Ryan Pluer holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of WI-Madison. Katie is an entrepreneur, and currently is a Partner & Vice President at Natasa Jones Interiors. Her expertise is in business development, marketing, and advertising. Over her 20-year professional career, Katie has used her skills to promote and grow business across several industries including interior design, finance, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. She has bought and successfully sold several businesses including (4) uBreakiFix stores and Sign Gypsies MKE.
Katie has had the honor and privilege of serving on the development committee for Nia Imani, the Board of Woman for MACC and as the Co-Chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Council at Lueder Financial Group of Northwestern Mutual. She has a passion for service and a love for Milwaukee. Katie was raised in a culture of caring for those in need, and volunteering as a way to make an impact on the community.
Connect with Katie Ryan Pluer
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
https://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources Mentioned:
WCAA 2024 Jill Robson Memorial Scholarships
Other Shows Mentioned:
AWDB 570: Natasa Jones: How to Maximize the ROI on Any Webinar, Course or Conference
AWDB 646: Aymee Kuhlman and Molly Kidd: Building a Friendship and An Interior Design Partnership
AWDB 857: Power Talk Friday: Shannon Lopez: The ERC Program – Do NOT Skip This Episode!
AWDB 876: Natasa Jones: Making Bold Moves to Achieve Big Results
977: Katie Ryan Pluer:Strategies for Taking on a Business Partner
976: On Air Strategy Sessions: Is a Disconnect Causing Your Ideal Clients to Walk Away?
Today With Melissa Fields
Get ready for Live, On-Air Strategy Sessions on the A Well Designed Business podcast! In this new format, I’ll be solving real business problems with designers like you, in real-time. Sometimes, it’s hard to see what’s right in front of us. That’s why I rely on my own mentors and consultants to provide a fresh perspective. And now, I’m offering the same to you!
Meet today’s guest, Melissa Fields, founder of Shades of Gray Design Studio in San Antonio, TX. Melissa’s biggest challenge is getting and retaining high-end clients. She want to elevate my business and work with clients who understand the value of investing in interior design. Despite having systems, processes, professional photography, and pricing that reflects her value, Melissa is struggling to attract her ideal clients, and that’s where I come in!
During this strategy session, we’ll dive deep and uncover what’s holding Melissa back from achieving her goals. Tune in for insights, actionable tips, and real solutions to real problems.
More About Melissa Fields
Shades of Gray Design Studio is a boutique interior design studio based in San Antonio, Texas. It was started in 2018 shortly after Melissa Fields, the Founder and CEO, retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service.
A retired Air Force officer turned interior designer, took her side hustle and deep passion for all things beautiful and developed it into a business. Melissa wanted to create amazing spaces for people who were going to stay in their homes long term and enjoy the investment they put into their space.
She shifted her focus towards designing residential spaces. Although not formally trained, she is a passionate creative who not only has an eye for design but firmly believes and understands that the details matter. Melissa also knows the power of beautiful and intentional design to truly transform people on a mind, body, and soul level. Because Melissa is so obsessed with the details and a high level of quality, she wanted to have a solid foundation and obtained a certification in residential interior design through the New York Institute of Art and Design.
Shades of Gray Design Studio believes in creating not just beautiful, functional spaces but telling the story about the humans that reside there. We are all unique and that’s what makes us so special. Our homes should reflect that. Melissa loves using color, texture, and boldness in her designs. She strives to incorporate a modern, contemporary feel while blending luxury and comfort…making it truly one-of-a-kind. It’s all about elevating the living space and empowering her clients with the knowledge that they are worthy of being surrounded by beauty.
Connect with Melissa Fields
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
https://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources Mentioned:
Other Shows Mentioned:
AWDB 574: Power Talk Friday: Deb Mitchell: Attract the Right Clients With Stand-Out Copy
WTFP 167: Nicole Heymer: How to Find and Highlight Why Someone Should Buy From You
AWDB 125: Nicole Heymer- How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!!
AWDB 317: Nicole Heymer: 6 Keys to Planning A Website That Makes Things Happen
AWDB 466: Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What?
976: On Air Strategy Sessions: Is a Disconnect Causing Your Ideal Clients to Walk Away?
975: Joyful Abundance: Thriving in Business with a Positive Mindset
Today With Jennifer Davis
Today on A Well-Designed Business I’m with Jennifer Davis, the founder of Davis Interiors, a boutique design firm based in Minneapolis. Jennifer’s story is proof that intention, manifestation, and a positive mindset can lead to the life and business of our dreams.
In this episode, we discuss Jennifer’s strategies and beliefs that have helped her create a joyful client experience and a successful career. From setting intentions and aligning your actions with your goals to overcoming impostor syndrome and cultivating an abundance mindset, Jennifer offers practical tips and powerful insights.
Pick It Apart:
[1:21] Jennifer introduces her business philosophy that the process should be just as joyful as the finished product, detailing aspects of her process that reflect this.
[6:42] LuAnn and Jennifer discuss technology platforms and automations they use to help their systems and processes run smoothly.
[14:45] Jennifer talks about the power of intention and how it works for her.
[17:46] LuAnn shares a story about manifesting her dream home.
[29:00] Jennifer brings up imposter syndrome and the role it plays in the interior design industry and how meditation can be a helpful tool to overcome this.
[44:48] Jennifer and LuAnn discuss the power of taking five minutes to slow down and clear your mind.
LuAnn Nigara and Jennifer Davis’s Ah-Ha Moments
“I want the journey that you go through to get from start to finish to be as joyful as the joy you feel at the end of the project when you’re in your new space.” – Jennifer Davis
“I think you just have to really believe in yourself and surround yourself with people who believe in you and find good mentors and a good design community to be a part of. And then when you set the intentions, you can truly believe that you’re worthy of all these things happening.” – Jennifer Davis
“How we carry ourselves through our business relates, and comes back to us, in our personal life.” – LuAnn Nigara
More About Jennifer Davis
Jennifer started her career journey in the furniture industry, where she got a taste for sales. Transitioning to an interior design studio, she started as a design assistant and swiftly advanced to a managerial position, showcasing her leadership abilities. Jennifer successfully navigated distribution management and marketing roles for a well-known national furniture retailer based in Minneapolis before leaving to raise her children.
While at home with her children, it wasn’t long before friends began soliciting her assistance with their own homes. Balancing her roles as a mother and entrepreneur, she cultivated her client base from a part-time endeavor which quickly grew into a full fledged interior design studio. Jennifer is a firm believer in the law of attraction, maintaining that our attitudes significantly influence the outcomes we experience in life.
Jennifer operates a boutique interior design firm headquartered in Minneapolis, catering to clients nationwide. Her approach to each project revolves around fostering a client experience founded on clear communication, refined processes, swift timelines, and meaningful relationships. Davis Interiors lives by the motto “We want the process to create as much joy as the finished product”.
Connect with Jennifer Davis
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
https://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources Mentioned:
Rebecca Hay’s episode with LuAnn
Other Shows Mentioned:
AWDB #801: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: How Mistakes and Obstacles Led to Growth & Transformation
AWDB #881: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business
AWDB #895: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Millionaire Mindset for Interior Designers
975: Joyful Abundance: Thriving in Business with a Positive Mindset
974: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: How to Prioritize Your Well-being in Your Interior Design Business
Today With Katie McDonald
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I’m excited to welcome back Katie McDonald, certified holistic health coach and instructor at b.nourished. As entrepreneurs, we do have a tendency to put ourselves on the backburner, focusing our time and attention on the needs of the business. But if we’re not creating something sustainable—if we’re heading toward burnout, are we really creating well-designed businesses? It can feel as if we need to justify rest, justify taking time for ourselves, Katie’s take is that we need to view taking care of ourselves in a whole new light—and today she and I are diving deep into the philosophical questions of creativity, well-being, and the way we are intertwined with the business.
Pick It Apart:
[0:02] Katie discusses how our well-being is interwoven into the business—and why taking care of ourselves isn’t a luxury.
[5:47] LuAnn and Katie unpack the guilt entrepreneurs often feel for taking free time to rest and reset.
[12:13] Katie talks about how creativity requires rest, stillness, and space.
[17:23] LuAnn and Katie talk about what rest might look like for different people (and why that’s okay).
[29:10] Katie offers practical places to start when committing to self-care.
[38:58] Katie and LuAnn reflect on the business benefits of taking care of ourselves.
LuAnn Nigara and Katie McDonald’s Ah-Ha Moments
“The only thing that will create change is our commitment to change—our willingness to look ourselves in the eyes, look at our hear, and say, ‘Something doesn’t feel right.’” -Katie
“We’re always thinking about the future or the next big thing for our business. But in our personal lives, we’re willing to accept mediocrity.” -Katie
“Our well-being is our fuel—the engine for our business.” -LuAnn
More About Katie McDonald
Over a decade ago, the demands of Katie McDonald’s corporate career occupied her every waking moment. She was left feeling depleted and depressed—suffering from spiraling mental and physical health crises that threatened her life.
Left with no choice but to transform her body-mind relationship, Katie abandoned her corporate job and finally started applying her knowledge of self-care, alternative health, and plant-based nutrition.
Since then, Katie has been on a revitalizing journey of lifelong self-care.
Fully recovered from years of self-neglect, Katie now helps fellow doers embrace self-care so they can do more and be more while leading healthier, more intentional, and more nourished lives.
Katie leads with tough love to inspire, empower, and challenge audiences. She dispels the destructive myth that self-care is an obstacle to productivity and teaches that self-care is, in fact, a tool to create a more powerful and impactful legacy.
Connect with Katie McDonald
Coaching Site and Link to Schedule a Complimentary 30 Minute Self-Care Strategy Session
Link to Bnourished Planner 15% discount code for planners LUANN
Offers from Katie:
- A 15% discount off the bnourished quarterly planner using code LUANN
- Access to my curated resource guide here
- Download the Whole life assessment here
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
https://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Shows Mentioned:
#881 Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: Self-Care is Key to a Thriving, Well-Designed Business
974: Power Talk Friday: Katie McDonald: How to Prioritize Your Well-being in Your Interior Design Business
973: Jamie Gasparovic: How Investing In Your Business Can Kick Imposter Syndrome to the Curb
Today With Jamie Gasparovic
Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, I am joined by Jamie Gasparovic, Founder and Principal Designer of Studio Gaspo, a boutique full-service interior design firm. Have you ever had imposter syndrome? Join the club. Jamie has a little secret to combating imposter syndrome, and that is to invest in your business. Jamie has spent thousands in investments for her business. Six figures in the last year, to be more specific. Before you drop your jaw, listen in to hear all of the value and advice Jamie has to give on investing in yourself
Pick It Apart:
[11:51] Jamie explains how investing in your business can combat imposter syndrome.
[17:35] Jamie is proactive in preventing imposter syndrome, which always seems to come up, by making consistent investments.
[22:28] Jamie shares her takeaways from Sandra Funk’s Interior Design Standard.
[27:16] Benefitting from just being in the room at an event and making connections.
[34:20] Jamie shares the tangible things she has learned from the programs/courses she has invested in.
[42:35] How Jamie decides what kind of investments to make.
[46:24] Jamie’s advice for those who are nervous about making that “big investment.”
LuAnn Nigara and Jamie Gasparovic’s Ah-Ha Moments
“When designers ask me if an investment I made was worth it and I say it is. I have a hard time regretting anything because I have a takeaway from everything I have invested in.” – Jamie Gasparovic
“Hearing something in business that you are already familiar with can hit differently when someone else explains it and presents it differently.” – Jamie Gasparovic
More About Jamie Gasparovic
Jamie Gasparovic is the dynamic Founder and Principal Designer behind her boutique full-service interior design firm, Studio Gaspo. Recently, her moody modern aesthetic has been celebrated by Forbes, Architectural Digest, Homes & Gardens, and Apartment Therapy. With close to a decade of expertise in luxury, large-scale construction ranging from new builds to full-scope renovations, Jamie has created a powerful name for herself in Central Florida. Her robust client list includes professional athletes, entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 executives and busy professionals. Today, she frequently partners with prominent builders and architects to design turnkey properties from floor plans to furnishings.
Connect with Jamie Gasparovic
What’s new with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn University – Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
https://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!
For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:
Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn Nigara
LuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources Mentioned:
WCAA 2024 Jill Robson Memorial Scholarships
Other Shows Mentioned:
AWDB #709 Jenny and Ben Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors: The Stages and Decisions to Grow Your Design Business
AWDB #759 Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Discover Your Goldmine and Unleash Your Marketing
AWDB #786 Meredith Huck: From Corporate to Interior Design Business: 3 Insights to Succeed
